ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Union Jal Shakti Minister Inspects Construction Progress Of Biggest Sewage Treatment Plant In Asia, The 564 MLD Okhla STP In Delhi
Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Directs Expediting Completion Of All STP Projects In Delhi By December, 2022
11 Projects Worth Rs. 2009 Crore For Treatment Of 1268 MLD Sewage Taken Up Under Namami Gange Programme To Conserve Yamuna
After December 2022, A Difference Will Certainly Be Felt In The Quality Of Water In River Yamuna In Delhi: Shri Shekhawat
The Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inspected the 564 MLD Okhla Sewerage Treatment Plant which is currently being constructed under the Yamuna Action plan-III for which funds are being provided by the central government. The Union Minister first visited the Chhat Ghat at ITO and took a boat from there to reach Okhla Boat Club, 12 kilometers away. From there, Shri Shekhawat reached the Okhla STP site by road. Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga, Shri G. Asok Kumar was also present during the inspection. As per the cost sharing arrangement, 85% of the cost is borne by the central government under the Namami Gange Programme and 15% by the state government. The total sanction cost of the Okhla STP project is Rs. 665.78 crore.
Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that considering the situation in Delhi, it has been directed to expedite the STP works in Delhi, keeping in mind the December 2022 timeline. He added that after December 2022, a difference will certainly be felt in the quality of water in River Yamuna in Delhi. Okhla STP is the biggest sewage treatment plant in Asia. After construction of this 564 MLD, there will be a considerable improvement in the water quality of River Yamuna. Being an integrated project, the sludge management has also been included in the scope of the work as per which the sludge will be properly disposed of in a scientific manner addressing the environmental-related issues.
Presently in Delhi, under Namami Gange programme, a total of 11 projects for treatment of 1268 MLD sewage have been taken up at a cost of Rs. 2009 crore by NMCG to conserve River Yamuna. The major share of these projects is being borne by the Central Government through the Namami Gange Programme. These projects are targeted to create a total treatment capacity of 1268 MLD in the catchment area of Coronation Pillar , Kondli, Okhla and Rithala in Delhi. These projects are targeted to be completed by December 2022.
At Okhla Sewage Treatment complex there are six wastewater treatment plants - Phase-I , Phase-II , Phase-III , phase-IV , Phase-V  and Phase-VI . The existing Phase-I, II, III and IV plants were constructed before 1993. As the old plants outlived their life, it was decided that a new STP of combined capacity of Phase I, II, III & IV  = 564 MLD is constructed with stringent effluent parameters including removal of Biological Nutrients. It will also have provision of online monitoring of quality parameters of effluent, SCADA, power generation from biogas and sludge management etc.
Ministry of Coal
With 8.4% Growth Coal Production Touches 222.93 Million Tonne in Q1 of FY 2023-24
Coal India Ltd production goes up by 9.85% to 175.35 MT
Coal Dispatch increases by 6.97% in Q1
Achieving 37.62% growth Coal Stock Position reaches 107.15 MT
The Ministry of Coal has achieved substantial surge in overall coal production with a growth of 8.40% in Q1 of FY 2023-24. The cumulative coal production has witnessed a significant increase, reaching 222.93 million tonne  as compared to 205.65 MT in Q1 of FY 2022-23.
Coal India Limited  has recorded an impressive growth of 9.85%, with production reaching 175.35MT in FY 2023-24 as compared to 159.63 MT during the same period the previous year. Captive mines /others also attained a growth of 4.74 % touching 30.48 MT in FY 23-24 as compared to 29.10 MT in FY 22-23 during the same period. These accomplishments have contributed to the overall positive momentum in the sector.
Simultaneously, cumulative coal dispatch has shown an upward trend, reaching 239.69 MT  in Q1 of FY 2023-24, as compared to 224.08 MT in Q1 of FY 2022-23 with a growth of 6.97%. Coal India Limited  registered 186.21 MT production in Q1 of FY 2023-24 as compared to 176.81 MT in Q1 of FY 2022-23 with a growth of 5.32%. At the same time, SCCL, & captive/others have recorded 18.07 MT and 35.41 MT in Q1 of FY 2023-24 as compared to 17.30 MT and 29.97 MT in Q1 of FY 2022-23, with a growth of 4.45% and 18.16% respectively. These figures highlight the efficiency of the coal supply chain in ensuring smooth distribution across the country.
Furthermore, the upturn in offtake has resulted in a comfortable coal stock position. The total coal stock as on 30th June 2023 has recorded remarkable growth reaching at 107.15 MT  as compared to 77.86 MT as on 30th June 2022, reflecting a growth of 37.62%. This growth indicates the continued efforts to meet rising demand of coal.
The sustained efforts of the Ministry of Coal towards enhancing coal production and ensuring seamless dispatch underscores India’s persistence in meeting its energy demands and fostering continuous economic growth. These positive developments position the nation favourably and contribute to driving the positive trajectory of the country's energy sector, reinforcing the commitment towards providing uninterrupted power supply and paving the way for Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Ministry of Railways
Benefits of Kisan Rail to Farmers
The Kisan Rail services are planned by railways in a way to ensure easy accessibility to farmers. Most of the services have originated from small stations such as Devlali, Sangola, Sangli, Yeola, Nagarsol, Dhahanu Road, Dhoraji, Mahuva, etc, which lie within agricultural zones. The Kisan Rail trains also have adequate stoppages to facilitate enroute loading. Besides, there is no restriction on the minimum quantity to be booked in Kisan Rail services, to enable small and marginal farmers to benefit from the scheme. Upto 12th March 2021, around 373 Kisan Rail services have operated on 43 routes, transporting approximately 1.2 lakh tonnes of commodities.
This information was given by the Minister of Railways, Commerce & Industry and Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Piyush Goyal in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister congratulates Vishnu Sarvanan for winning a Bronze Medal in Men's Dhingy - ILCA7
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Vishnu Sarvanan for winning a Bronze Medal in Men's Dhingy - ILCA7 at Asian Games.
In a X post, the Prime Minister said;
“Heartiest congratulations to Vishnu Sarvanan for winning a Bronze Medal in Men's Dhingy - ILCA7, at the Asian Games.
He has shown great skill, determination and adaptability. Best wishes for his future endeavours.”
Ministry of Defence
DRDO & Indian Army successfully conduct six flight-tests of Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile system off Odisha coast
Defence Research and Development Organisation  and Indian Army have successfully completed six flight-tests of Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile  system from Integrated Test Range  Chandipur off the Odisha coast. The flight tests were conducted as part of evaluation trials by the Indian Army.
The flight-tests were carried out against high-speed aerial targets mimicking various types of threats to evaluate the capability of the weapon systems under different scenarios, including long range medium altitude, short range, high altitude manoeuvring target, low radar signature with receding & crossing target and salvo launch with two missiles fired in quick succession. The system performance was also evaluated under day and night operation scenarios.
During these tests, all the mission objectives were met establishing pin-point accuracy of the weapon system with state-of-the-art guidance and control algorithms including warhead chain. The performance of the system has been confirmed from the data captured by a number of Range instruments like Telemetry, Radar and Electro Optical Tracking Systems  deployed by ITR. Senior officials from DRDO and the Indian Army participated in the launches.
These tests were conducted in the final deployment configuration consisting of all indigenously-developed sub-systems, including the missile with indigenous Radio Frequency  seeker, mobile launcher, fully automated command and control system, surveillance and multi-function Radars. The uniqueness of the QRSAM weapon system is that it can operate on the move with search and track capability & fire on short halt. This has been proven during the mobility trials conducted earlier.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has complimented DRDO and Indian Army on the successful flight trials. He exuded confidence that the QRSAM weapon system will be an excellent force multiplier for the Armed Forces.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO has congratulated the teams associated with the successful series of trials and said that the system is now ready for induction into the Indian Army.
President's Secretariat
President of India Addresses A Yuva Shivir being organised by Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Kundaldham through a pre-recorded video message
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind addressed a Yuva Shivir being organised by Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Kundaldham today  through a pre-recorded video message.
In his address, the President said that youth plays an important role in the upliftment of the society and progress of the nation. There is a need to give them proper guidance for smooth and addiction-free life. He said that he was happy to address the youth camp which is organized with the sacred purpose of instilling life-values of Indian culture in the younger generation.
The President said that while temples and ashrams are the centers of our faith and life-building, they are also the centers of service to the nation through helping of the poor and lessening the sufferings of patients. He was happy to note that Kundaldham Shree Swaminarayan Mandir has set an ideal example of service to the nation by providing assistance to the needy in natural calamities, by providing free food and medicines to the poor, and by transforming the temple into a COVID Hospital during the pandemic.
The President said that our traditional rural way of living could guide the world community in facing the challenges of climate change. We can save the Earth by protecting the environment and treating nature in a compassionate way. We can save the mankind by protecting our rivers, ponds, trees and all living beings. He appreciated the Kundaldham Shree Swaminarayan Mandir for taking various initiatives to protect the environment which includes taking care of Gir breed cows, conservation of Utavali River, tree plantation, organic farming and cultivation of ayurvedic and herbal medicinal plants in the Mandir campus.
Click here to see President' s Speech in hindi
Prime Minister's Office
Call on Prime Minister by Governor of New Jersey, Mr. Phillip D. Murphy
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi received Mr. Phillip D. Murphy, Governor of the State of New Jersey in the United States of America this morning on Mr. Murphy’s first visit to India in his current official capacity. Governor Murphy is visiting Agra, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad apart from Delhi.
Prime Minister Modi welcomed the Governor’s desire to promote closer commercial and people-to-people relations between New Jersey and India and assured him of the Government of India’s support as New Jersey seeks to pursue meaningful cooperation with Indian States.
Governor Murphy briefed Prime Minister Modi of his priorities for building his State’s relations with India, and committed to working towards a robust partnership between India and the U.S. Noting the commonalities between India and New Jersey, he mentioned the celebration of diversity and respect for plurality in India which he had as witnessed since arriving in India.
Prime Minister Modi noted with satisfaction that the State of New Jersey, which hosts the highest concentration of Indian-American population in the U.S., has emerged as a top destination for India’s trade and investment into the U.S. Both dignitaries agreed to the significance of cooperation in STEM and higher education.
The Prime Minister appreciated the personal attention paid by the Governor for the well-being of the Indian American Community in New Jersey and stressed their importance as a bridge between India and their host.
PIB Headquarters
National Letter writing Competition
Department of Posts has announced a National Letter Writing Competition under the ‘Dhai Akhar / Letter Writing Campaign’. The theme is ‘Dear Bapu , you inspire me’.
The letter could be written in English / Hindi / Tamil language by any member of public in an Inland letter card  or in an A4 sheet  put in an embossed envelope addressed to the Chief Postmaster General, Tamilnadu Circle, Chennai 600 002 and posted in any Letter Box or handed over at any Post Office. Last date to write and post the letter is 15 August 2017. Letters posted after 15.08.2017 will not be accepted.
The competition is open to all age groups and the two categories are –
- Up to 18 years - Inland Letter Card & Envelope category
- Above 18 years - Inland Letter Card & Envelope category
The participants have to give a certificate of their age on the letter such as ‘I certify that I am below/above the age of 18. In case of winning entries, the age and other ID certificates will be verified.
Details of Awards –
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All India level
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Tamilnadu Circle Level
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First
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Rs. 50,000/- 
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First
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Rs. 25,000/-
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Second
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Rs. 25,000/- 
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Second
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Rs. 10,000/-
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Third
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Rs. 10,000/- 
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Third
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Rs. 5,000/-
Tamilnadu Circle level top Ten  letters in each category will be displayed during a Philately exhibition which would be organized during Gandhi Jayanti in Chennai. During the function, these entries will be rewarded at the Circle level. Content of the best letters will be given wide publicity and the writers will be given due recognition and rewards.
National level best Three  letters in each category will be chosen and writers of these letters will be awarded in a function in Sabarmati Ashram on 2nd October 2017, where a letter exhibition will be held.
Members of public can choose to write the letter from their home or participate in the competition to be held in each Postal Division on 05.08.2017. They can approach nearest office of Sr. Superintendent / Superintendent or any Post Office for further details.
Ministry of Finance
Auction for Sale  of ‘7.32% Government Stock 2024’, Auction for Sale  of‘7.26% Government Stock 2029’,Auction for Sale  of ‘7.69% Government Stock 2043’,and Auction for Sale  of ‘7.72% Government Stock 2049’
Government of India has announced the Sale  of  ‘7.32 per cent Government Stock, 2024’ for a notified amount of Rs. 5,000 crore  through price based auction, ‘7.26 per cent Government Stock, 2029’ for a notified amount of Rs. 6,000 crore  through price based auction, ‘7.69 per cent Government Stock, 2043’ for a notified amount of Rs. 2,000 crore  through price based auction, and  ‘7.72 per cent Government Stock, 2049’ for a notified amount of Rs. 4,000 crore  through price based auction. Subject to the limit of Rs. 17,000 crore, being total notified amount, GoI will have the option to retain additional subscription up to Rs. 1,000 crore each against any one or more of the above securities. The auctions will be conducted using multiple price method. The auctions will be conducted by the Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai Office, Fort, Mumbai on August 16, 2019 .
Up to 5% of the notified amount of the sale of the stocks will be allotted to eligible individuals and Institutions as per the Scheme for Non-Competitive Bidding Facility in the Auction of Government Securities.
Both competitive and non-competitive bids for the auction should be submitted in electronic format on the Reserve Bank of India Core Banking Solution  system on August 16, 2019. The non-competitive bids should be submitted between 11.30 a.m. and 12.00 noon and the competitive bids should be submitted between 11.30 a.m. and
12.30 p.m.
The result of the auctions will be announced on August 16, 2019  and payment by successful bidders will be on August 19, 2019 .
The Stocks will be eligible for “When Issued” trading in accordance with the guidelines on ‘When Issued transactions in Central Government Securities’ issued by the Reserve Bank of India vide circular No. RBI/2018-19/25 dated July 24, 2018 as amended from time to time.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on mechanisms to monitor drug-making units
States/UTs have set up Special Courts for trial of offences under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act for speedy disposal
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation  in coordination with various State Licensing Authorities  conducts inspections of pharmaceutical manufacturing units in order to assess the status of compliance, to the requirements of Good Manufacturing Practices  under the Drug Rules 1945, as per risk-based approach.
There are laid down guidance and checklist for conduct of inspections to assess the compliance of manufacturing facilities with the specified GMP and Good Laboratory Practice requirements.
CDSCO and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have taken regulatory measures to ensure the quality of medicines in the country as below:
- The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 was amended under Drugs & Cosmetics  Act 2008 to provide stringent penalties for manufacture of spurious and adulterated drugs. Certain offences have also been made cognizable and non-bailable.
- States/UTs have set up special Courts for trial of offences under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act for speedy disposal.
- The number of sanctioned posts in CDSCO has been significantly increased in last 10 years.
- To ensure efficacy of drugs, the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 have been amended providing that applicant shall submit the result of bioequivalence study along with the application for grant of manufacturing license of oral dosage form of some drugs.
- The Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 have been amended making it mandatory that before the grant of manufacturing license, the manufacturing establishment is to be inspected jointly by the Drugs Inspectors of Central Government and State Government.
- The Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 have been amended, making it mandatory that the applicants shall submit evidence of stability, safety of excipients etc. to the State Licensing Authority before grant of manufacturing license by the Authority.
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Kisan Credit Cards  campaign launched for 1.5 crore dairy farmers
Special drive part of Prime Minister’s Atma Nirbhar Bharat package for Farmers
The Government will provide Kisan Credit Card  to 1.5 crore dairy farmers belonging to Milk Unions and Milk producing Companies within the next two months  under a special drive. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairyingin association with Department of Financial Services has already circulated relevant circulars and KCC application format to all State Milk Federation and Milk Unions for implementing the same on a mission mode.
Under the dairy cooperative movement, approximately 1.7 crore farmers are associated with 230 Milk Unions in the country.
In the first phase of this campaign, the target is to cover all farmers who are members of dairy cooperative societies and associated with different Milk Unions and who do not have KCC. Farmers who already have KCC based on their land ownership, can get their KCC credit limit enhanced, though interest subvention shall be available only to the extent of Rs 3 lakhs. Although the general limit for KCC credit without collateral remains Rs. 1.6 lakh, but the case of farmers whose milk is directlyprocured by Milk Unions falls under tie up arrangements between the producers and processing units without any intermediaries, and hence the credit limits without Collateral can be upto Rs.3 lakh.This will ensure more credit availabilityfordairy farmers associated with Milk Unions as well as assuring repayment of loans to banks.
The special drive to provide KCC to 1.5 crore dairy farmers is part of the Prime Minister’s Atma Nirbhar Bharat package for Farmers. Finance Minister on 15 May 2020 has announced to cover 2.5 crore new farmers under the KCC scheme. This will provide an additional liquidity of Rs.5 lakh crore in the hands of farmers, who are suffering from the recent downturn of economy.
As, dairy is among the fastest growing sectors of the economy with a CAGR of above 6% in the last 5 years, providing short term credit to dairy farmers for meeting their requirements for working capital, marketing etc. will boost their productivity tremendously.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Shri Rajnath Singh chairs 23rd meeting of Western Zonal Council at Gandhinagar
The 23rd meeting of the Western Zonal Council was held at Gandhinagar, Gujarat today under the Chairmanship of the Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh. The meeting was attended by the Chief Ministers of Maharashtra and Gujarat, Ministers of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa and Administrator of the Union Territories of Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and senior officers from Central and State Governments.
The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijay Rupani, in his welcome address, emphasised the need for coordination and cooperation of the Western Zonal States on the issue of marine security. He further, inter alia, stated about the introduction of the virtual teaching in about 8,000 classes, providing 5,000 policemen with smart phones having record of criminals, appointment of 33% Women in Police Force, establishment of the state-of-the art Forensic University in the State etc.
The Union Home Minister stated that the Zonal Councils were established under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956 with the objective to develop the habit of cooperative working among the States and between the Centre and the States. The Zonal Councils are mandated to discuss and make recommendations on any matter of common interest in the field of economic and social planning.
Shri Rajnath Singh reiterated the Centre’s resolve to promote cooperative federalism with the states. He further stated that during the last 3 years or so, 2 Council meetings and 3 Standing Committee meetings of the Western Zonal Council were held. In these Council meetings, 41 items had been discussed and 31 resolved.
During this period including other Zones  10 Council meetings and 15 Standing Committee meetings were held. In these meetings including today’s meeting about 653 items had been discussed and approximately 411 issues had been resolved.
The Council reviewed the progress of the implementation of the recommendations made at the last meeting relating to surplus lands of various Organisations of Central Government to be made available for achieving objectives of “Housing for All: 2022” and issues relating to Aadhaar. Thereafter, the Council took up issues which relate to stamp duty on Imports, problems pertaining to parking in JN Port, non-signing of Power Purchase Agreements by Maharashtra with Renewable Energy Operators, implementation of the provisions of the PESA Act, capacity building for developing Trauma Care facilities, full immunization coverage, National Aids Control Programme, issues relating to Input Tax Credit on Natural Gas, etc. Out of the 16 items  discussed today, 14 were resolved in the meeting with mutual understanding and consensus.
In his address, Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis congratulated the Union Home Minister for re-energizing Zonal Council meetings.
The deliberations of the Council were warm and cordial, in the true spirit of cooperative federalism and ended with the decision to host the next meeting in Goa.